The Beginner's Guide to Bong Attachments

If you're new to the world of water pipes, the variety of available attachments and accessories can be overwhelming. What exactly is a percolator? Do you need an ash catcher? What's the difference between a banger and a bowl? This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about bong attachments, helping you understand their functions, benefits, and how they can enhance your smoking experience.

Understanding the Basics: Bong Anatomy 101

Before diving into attachments, it's important to understand the basic components of a standard water pipe:

Main Components of a Water Pipe

• Base/Water Chamber: The bottom section that holds water
• Tube/Neck: The main body that smoke travels through
• Bowl: Where dry herb is packed and heated
• Downstem: Connects the bowl to the water chamber
• Mouthpiece: Where you inhale from

Water pipes work by filtering smoke through water, which cools the smoke and removes some particulates before it reaches your lungs. Attachments can enhance this basic functionality in various ways.

Essential Bong Attachments for Beginners

If you're just starting to explore bong attachments, these are the fundamental pieces that offer the most noticeable improvements to your smoking experience:

1. Downstems: The Foundation of Filtration

The downstem is one of the most basic yet crucial components of any water pipe setup.

What is a Downstem?

A downstem is a tube that connects your bowl to the water chamber. It carries smoke from the bowl down into the water for filtration.

Types of Downstems:

• Standard Downstems: Simple tubes with a single slit or hole at the bottom
• Diffused Downstems: Feature multiple slits or holes to break up the smoke into smaller bubbles
• Multi-Arm Downstems: Have multiple arms at the bottom for enhanced diffusion

Benefits of Upgrading Your Downstem:

• Improved filtration and cooling
• Smoother hits with less coughing
• Better flavor preservation
• Reduced drag when inhaling

How to Choose the Right Downstem:

• Length: Measure from the joint to where you want the bottom to sit in the water
• Joint Size: Common sizes are 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm (measure the ground glass joint on your piece)
• Diffusion Style: More slits generally mean more filtration but also more drag

2. Bowls: Beyond the Basics

The bowl is where your dry herb is placed and heated, making it a critical component of your setup.

Types of Bowls:

• Standard Bowls: Simple, cup-shaped pieces
• Screened Bowls: Built-in screens to prevent ash pull-through
• Snap Bowls: Designed for single hits with a smaller capacity
• Deep Bowls: Larger capacity for longer sessions
• Handle Bowls: Include a handle for easier removal when hot

Materials Matter:

• Glass: Clean flavor, but can break
• Ceramic: Durable with good heat retention
• Metal: Nearly indestructible but can affect flavor
• Quartz: Excellent heat resistance and clean flavor

Features to Look For:

• Built-in Screens: Prevent ash and plant matter from entering your water
• Handle or Pinch: Makes it easier to remove when hot
• Roll-Stoppers: Flat sides or nubs that prevent the bowl from rolling when set down
• Airflow Design: Proper airflow holes ensure smooth draws

3. Ash Catchers: Keeping It Clean

An ash catcher is an attachment that sits between your bowl and your water pipe, adding an extra chamber of water filtration while also catching ash and debris.

Benefits of Ash Catchers:

• Cleaner Water: Catches ash before it enters your main piece
• Additional Filtration: Extra water chamber cools smoke further
• Easier Maintenance: Simpler to clean a small ash catcher than your entire piece
• Protected Investment: Keeps expensive or intricate pieces cleaner longer

Types of Ash Catchers:

• Simple Ash Catchers: Basic additional chamber
• Percolator Ash Catchers: Include percolation for additional filtration
• Reclaim Catchers: Designed to collect concentrate reclaim
• Dry Ash Catchers: No water, simply catch ash and debris

Choosing the Right Ash Catcher:

• Joint Size and Gender: Must match your piece (typically 14mm or 18mm)
• Angle: 45° or 90° to align properly with your setup
• Size and Weight: Ensure it's not too heavy for your piece to avoid tipping
• Percolation Style: Different styles offer varying levels of filtration and drag

4. Percolators: Enhanced Filtration

Percolators (or "percs") are glass structures within a water pipe that diffuse smoke through water, creating more bubbles and increasing surface area for filtration.

How Percolators Work:

• More effective cooling
• Enhanced filtration of particulates
• Smoother hits
• Reduced harshness

Common Percolator Types for Beginners:

• Tree Percolators: Multiple arms with slits or holes at the bottom
• Showerhead/UFO Percolators: Disc-shaped with multiple holes on the bottom
• Honeycomb Percolators: Flat discs with multiple small holes
• Matrix Percolators: Grid-like structure with many holes
• Inline Percolators: Horizontal tube with multiple slits

Percolator Considerations:

• Filtration vs. Drag: More percolation means smoother hits but requires more lung power
• Cleaning Difficulty: Complex percs can be harder to clean
• Durability: Some designs are more fragile than others
• Stacking Percs: Multiple percolators provide more filtration but increase drag

Intermediate Attachments: Elevating Your Experience

Once you're comfortable with the basics, these attachments can take your sessions to the next level:

5. Adapters and Converters: Expanding Possibilities

Adapters allow you to connect pieces with different joint sizes or genders, expanding your options for customization.

Common Types of Adapters:

• Size Adapters: Convert between 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm joints
• Gender Changers: Convert male to female joints or vice versa
• Multi-Adapters: Allow for multiple attachments simultaneously
• Drop-Downs: Create space and change the angle of your attachment

Practical Applications:

• Connect a 14mm bowl to an 18mm piece
• Add distance between your face and the heat source
• Convert a dab rig to a flower piece
• Use multiple attachments simultaneously

6. Ice Catchers and Glycerin Coils: Cooling Innovations

For those seeking cooler, smoother hits, these cooling attachments can make a significant difference.

Ice Catchers:

• What They Are: Notches or pinches in the tube that hold ice above the water
• Benefits: Significantly cooler smoke, reduced throat irritation
• Considerations: Can create condensation and water droplets in the tube

Glycerin Coils:

• What They Are: Removable glass coils filled with glycerin that can be frozen
• Benefits: Provides cooling without dilution from melting ice
• Usage: Freeze the coil before use, then attach to your piece
• Considerations: More expensive but reusable and no water dilution

7. Precoolers: Preparation Is Key

Precoolers are attachments that add an extra water chamber between your bowl and main piece.

Benefits of Precoolers:

• Additional water filtration
• Cooler smoke before it reaches the main chamber
• Reduced harshness
• Protection for your main piece

Types of Precoolers:

• Simple Tubes: Basic additional water chambers
• Percolated Precoolers: Include percolation for enhanced filtration
• Recycler Precoolers: Continuously filter water for maximum cooling

Advanced Attachments: For Enthusiasts and Collectors

These specialized attachments are for those looking to customize their experience further or explore concentrates:

8. Concentrate Attachments: Exploring New Territories

If you're interested in trying concentrates with your water pipe, these attachments make it possible.

Essential Concentrate Attachments:

• Bangers: Bucket-like quartz, glass, or ceramic attachments heated with a torch
• Nails: Typically made of titanium, ceramic, or quartz
• Domeless Nails: Don't require a dome to capture vapor
• E-nails: Electronically heated nails that maintain consistent temperature

Dabbing Accessories:

• Carb Caps: Cover the banger to control airflow and temperature
• Dab Tools: For applying concentrates to heated surfaces
• Terp Pearls: Small quartz balls that help distribute heat and concentrate
• Insert Dishes: Placed inside bangers for better flavor preservation

9. Reclaim Catchers: Waste Not, Want Not

Reclaim catchers are specialized attachments designed to collect concentrate residue (reclaim) for later use.

Benefits of Reclaim Catchers:

• Collect otherwise wasted material
• Keep your main piece cleaner
• Reduce cleaning frequency
• Provide material for edibles or future use

Types of Reclaim Catchers:

• Drop-Down Reclaim Catchers: Use gravity to collect reclaim
• 90° Reclaim Catchers: Angled to direct reclaim into a collection chamber
• Silicone Containers: Easy removal of collected reclaim

10. Specialty Percolators: For the Connoisseur

For those seeking the ultimate in filtration and smoothness, these advanced percolators offer unique benefits.

Advanced Percolator Designs:

• Fritted Disc Percolators: Extremely fine diffusion through a porous disc
• Recyclers: Continuously cycle water for enhanced filtration
• Turbine Percs: Create a cyclone effect in the water
• Swiss Percs: Complex structures with multiple diffusion paths
• Klein Recyclers: Advanced recycling systems with superior function

Practical Considerations: Making Smart Choices

When building your collection of attachments, keep these practical factors in mind:

Compatibility Matters

• Joint Size: Measure the ground glass joints on your piece (typically 10mm, 14mm, or 18mm)
• Joint Gender: Male joints fit into female joints and vice versa
• Angle: Some attachments require specific angles (45° or 90°)
• Weight Distribution: Heavy attachments can tip smaller pieces
• Height Clearance: Ensure you have space for taller attachments

Material Considerations

• Borosilicate Glass: Durable, heat-resistant, and flavor-neutral
• Quartz: Excellent heat resistance, clean flavor, rapid heating/cooling
• Titanium: Nearly indestructible but can affect flavor
• Ceramic: Good heat retention and flavor preservation
• Silicone: Flexible and unbreakable but not suitable for high heat areas

Maintenance Requirements

• Cleaning Frequency: Complex percolators need more frequent cleaning
• Cleaning Difficulty: Intricate designs can be challenging to clean thoroughly
• Cleaning Products: Isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt work for most glass
• Preventative Maintenance: Regular water changes and quick rinses extend time between deep cleans

Building Your Collection: A Strategic Approach

Rather than purchasing everything at once, consider building your collection strategically:

Start with the Essentials

1. Quality downstem with diffusion
2. Well-designed bowl
3. Simple ash catcher

Invest Gradually

• Budget for one premium attachment every few months
• Research thoroughly before purchasing
• Consider versatility and compatibility with your existing setup
• Look for warranties and customer support

Consider Your Personal Style

• Flavor Chasers: Focus on attachments that preserve terpene profiles
• Smooth Hit Seekers: Prioritize percolation and cooling attachments
• Concentrate Explorers: Invest in quality bangers and dabbing accessories
• Convenience Lovers: Look for easy-to-clean designs and ash catchers

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best attachments, issues can arise. Here's how to address common problems:

Water Levels and Function

• Too Much Water: Causes excessive drag and possible splashback
• Too Little Water: Results in inadequate filtration and harsh hits
• Ideal Level: Typically just enough to cover the downstem or percolator slits

Airflow Problems

• Too Much Restriction: Often caused by clogged percolators or too many attachments
• Too Little Restriction: Can make hits harsh and difficult to control
• Finding Balance: Experiment with different combinations to find your preference

Leaks and Poor Fits

• Leaking Joints: Usually due to poor fit or damaged ground glass
• Fixing Leaks: Use keck clips to secure connections or replace damaged joints
• Preventing Damage: Always twist gently when connecting or disconnecting attachments

Conclusion: Your Personal Journey

The world of bong attachments offers endless possibilities for customization and enhancement of your smoking experience. As a beginner, start with the fundamentals—quality downstems, bowls, and perhaps an ash catcher—before exploring more specialized options.

Remember that personal preference plays a significant role in what will work best for you. Some users prefer maximum filtration with multiple percolators, while others enjoy the simplicity and direct flavor of minimal filtration. There's no "one size fits all" approach.

By understanding the functions and benefits of different attachments, you can make informed decisions as you build your collection, creating a personalized setup that delivers exactly the experience you're looking for. Whether you prioritize smooth hits, flavor preservation, or convenience, there are attachments designed to meet your specific needs.

As you continue your journey, don't hesitate to ask questions at your local smoke shop or in online communities. The smoking accessory community is generally welcoming and happy to share knowledge and experiences to help newcomers find their perfect setup.